Harold Moffat (1915 - March 31, 2009) was the Mayor of Prince George from 1969 to 1979. There is a published book written about him entitled "Harold Moffat and the Northern Hardware: Prince George icons" by author, Valerie Giles PhD.
The subject of my column for today is his wife of 70 years Helen (Styles) Moffat born in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan in the year of 1917. There is enough material to write an entire book about Helen Moffat, however I will have to restrict her story to just this column.
Helen and Harold raised three children Ted (Gloria) Moffat deceased in February of 2013, Marilyn (Jack) Blair, and Valerie (Bill) Kilbey. Helen was very proud to tell me that she has seven grand children and thirteen great grandchildren.
Helen reminisced and said, "When I was 17 years old and just out of high school I worked at the Marshall Wells Store on Second Avenue (near the Columbus Hotel). My family lived in Central Fort George, also known as the west end of town. Carney Street was the city limit and we lived just outside of the city limits on what is now Lyon Street. Housing was less expensive out of town and I recall that way back then everyone was equally poor. We walked three miles round trip to school and back each day with our lunch kits in our hand. We never thought a thing about it. It was no big deal. It was not considered a challenge, an injustice or an accomplishment to walk to the places we wanted to go. We just did it. I used to walk from 5th and Lyon Street down to Margaret Morgan's place on George Street every Saturday for my piano lessons. I am now 96 years old and I credit my good health to that type of life style. In fact that is where I met Harold."
Helen said, "The original Moffat log house still stands on the property at Hammond Avenue and Moffat Street. The Moffat family started out in the hardware store and then the furniture store; later on we combined them. The Northern Hardware store has been in the family since 1919."
Helen proudly said, "Harold was always a public minded person. When he told me that he was considering running for Mayor I asked him if that meant that I would be the First Lady. We had a good laugh and I told him that I would fill the shoes and not embarrass the people as the mayor's wife but I won't change who I am. Harold was always forthright whether it was popular or not. He wanted what was best for Prince George and I supported him 100%. He was as honest as the day was long. There were lots of days that I was there for him and smiling even when things were not always easy."
Helen's parents Edward and Clara Styles were charter members of Nechako Chapter #40, Order of the Eastern Star. Helen is a Past Matron of the chapter and has been a valued member of Nechako Chapter for the past 72 Years.
I asked Helen how she felt about being nearly 100 years old and her reply was this, "I am astounded at the possibility of being 100 in less than four short years. I am healthy, I have no aches or pains and there is nothing missing in my day to day life. I intend to spend my 100th birthday quietly with my family and I will say, 'Well, here we are with another milestone to celebrate'. I am preoccupied with thankfulness for my good health and the generosity of my family. I mourn the loss of my son Ted. It was not easy for me to attend his funeral. I am a happy resident here at the Simon Fraser Lodge. I highly recommend the place. The staff is great and the food is just like a home cooked meal.
I would like to wish every one a Merry Christmas. Take the hand of the person behind you and help them out, do your part to make the world a better place. Look after your health and take some leisure time and your daily life will be a joy."
Helen is a resident of the Simon Fraser Lodge. She loves to play crib and she looks forward to and welcomes company.
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